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Monday, December 31, 2012

We have just passed a time of the focus on Christ’s birth. The coming of God in flesh for the redemption of all peoples should always be central to the message of Christmas. It is good to look back and see the people that God in His grace chooses to use for His purposes. Joseph and Mary have qualities that can serve as encouragement and models for us. Let’s take a brief review and be encouraged for this new year.

Joseph: The Man Who God Chooses18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.2:13-2313 When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

14 So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”

21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.

The man that God chooses:1. Faithful to God’s Word.
2. Showed love to Mary, trying to protect her from public disgrace, even before he knew what was going on.
3. God reminded Joseph of his heritage, that he was more than just the average person.
4. He listened to God, knew God’s Word, and was obedient to what God said.
5. He obeyed instantly without hesitation.
6. God spoke to Mary through an angel, Joseph through a dream. God doesn’t always speak the same way through everyone, but He always is consistent with His Word.
7. Upon returning, he was wise and prudent in where he chose to live.

Mary: a heart after God’s Own Heart Luke 1:26-56

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” 56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

V. 26-34 She was favored, [1] because she had faith: “How will this be?” Not, “How can this be?” As was Zechariah responded. Mary is saying, “it will happen, how?” while Zechariah expressed doubt. Our first response can indicate whether or not we are believers or doubters. Only confident trust in God and knowing Him deeply can produce the faith to believe.

V. 35-38 [2] She believed what was told her and submitted to God’s will: “I am the Lord’s servant, may your word to me be fulfilled.” Although she might not have thought through all the implications of saying “yes” to God, her willing spirit to be obedient regardless was apparent.

V. 46-56 [3] She knew God’s Word: See 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Perhaps because her cousin who could not have children was now about to give birth in her old age, Mary is reminded of the story of Hannah, the mother of Samuel. Compare the prayer of Hannah and Mary. Much of Mary’s song is a paraphrase of the prayer of Hannah. Mary would have had to have memorized and known much of the Old Testament to just pull that out of her heart. Putting God’s Word in our heart is key to being able to trust God, especially in difficulty situations.

What characteristics of God does Mary express? [1] God’s greatness, [2] Savior, [3] His watch and care over those He loves, [4] Mighty One, [5] Holy, [6] He is merciful, [7] He does mighty deeds, [8] scatters the proud and mighty, [9] He exalts the lowly, [10] satisfies the needy, [11] He keeps His promises

Insights1. Our first response can indicate whether or not we are believers or doubters. Only confident trust in God and knowing Him deeply can produce the faith to believe.

2. Although she might not have thought through all the implications of saying “yes” to God, her willing spirit to be obedient regardless was apparent.

3. Putting God’s Word in our heart is key to being able to trust God, especially in difficulty situations.

4. Knowing God’s character and nature can help us as we face life’s challenges. Only confident trust in God and knowing Him deeply can produce the faith to believe.

5. Mary “treasured all these things in her heart.” We need to keep a record of what God is doing so we can be encouraged in difficult times, and leave a heritage of faith for those that follow us.

I trust that as we look at Joseph and Mary God would build more of His character in our lives.